Studies on the chemical composition of the rat body during growth and development
Beza, R.; Grazul, A.
Acta Physiologica Polonica 28(6): 559-573
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-6033 PMID: 612141 Document Number: 117855
Changes in the content of nitrogen, ether extract, water and ash in the body of rats were examined from the 1st to the 265th day of life in conditions optimum for maximum growth and development. The investigations were on 203 male Wistar rats on a standard diet with about 20% protein and metabolizable energy 3.2 kcal/g. The diet was given to appetite. After a period of starvation the rats were killed at intervals, their bodies were autoclaved and homogenized. The results of chemical analyses were processed statistically using logarithmic values and linear regression equations for all components in relation to the total (shrunk) and fat-free body mass, and for the relation between the different components. The results obtained indicate that the values of all components related to the total or fat-free body mass show a curvilinear course of changes, which can be described by the power function Y = axb.